Alexandra Crump

Portfolio Work

Table of Contents

Strategic Communication Plan 2

Research/Overview 3
Creative Brief 6
Pitch Email 9
Media Alert 10
Spokesperson Profile 11
Radio Interview Questions 12
Press Release 14
Fact Sheet 16
PSAs 17
Press Release 23
Blog Post for PRSSA 24
Media Kit 27
Announcement Press Release 28
Feature Press Release 30
Event Fact Sheet 32
Organization Fact Sheet 33
Backgrounder 34
Semester Research - Promoting Sustainable Communities 35
 STRATEGIC
COMMUNICATION
PLAN
FOR

Alexandra Crump & Cady Dawson

In accordance with:
 Voting is one of the most important duties that all Americans have acquired upon

citizenship. It is the process that allows their voices to be heard by those who they have elected

into power. And while there are a lot of campaigns geared to help people make it to the polls on

Election Day, there are some spaces that have not been fully fulfilled. The millennial

demographic has become one of the most influential groups in this country. The size of the group

has a huge impact on American society as the Baby Boomer generation is slowly declining.

With every new election cycle, the millennial generation has failed to get themselves to the polls

to take part in the Election Day activities.

Over the past few decades, millennials have proven that voting is on the backburner of

their minds. Ever since 1963, young adults, aged 18-29, have been dropping in rates of going to

the polls. According to the Campus Vote Project, this age group makes up around 20 percent of

the eligible voting population with only 17 percent of those individuals actively participating in

elections.

Why are these numbers dropping? There have been numerous claims as to what the cause

is and while there is no definite answer, research has found credible reasons to this decline.

Registration regulations are too confusing, the concept of the Electoral College is offsetting and

education on the topic of politics is lacking immensely due to ancient methods.

It would be hard to teach the basics of politics in a classroom as people with strong

viewpoints may exercise their right to their own views. But maybe there could be a program to

cover the process of elections, the importance of the votes cast and how the voting process can

be easily done. Many millennials do not know the meaning behind the absentee vote and

therefore do not have their voices hears as they avoid the long lines on Election Day.
 The Electoral College is an important piece of the voting puzzle yes, but it definitely puts

off some of the voters in this country. While America is a democracy, young adults feel that their

votes do not matter. The Electoral College is the designated pool of people that are going to vote

and really make the biggest impact on the elections. Students feel little need to wait in lines for

hours if their vote really will not make a big impact on the election decision.

Now we come to the biggest reason that young adults do not vote, registration. This is

something that has become the full responsibility for young adults to fulfill. But if there is a lack

of education, how are they supposed to completely the process? Registration is not being taught

in schools and can be difficult to find straight to the point information on. The students need a

little bit of encouragement to jump on the registration train or else they will just remain in the

dark about the topic.

Voting is difficult for students because they are most likely away from their hometowns

and will not make the drive back to hit the voting booths. This is where the education about

absentee ballots would be very beneficial for those who are far away from home. The absentee

ballot gives citizens a voice even though they are far away from their registered area.

Campaigns can utilize the lack of youth voters to help them win elections. There have

been studies that have shown that when an actual campaign comes directly to the student in

question, that student will register to vote and most likely head to the polls. They can really learn

about what that candidate or the party stands for which can give them motivation to put their

voice out there.

Lastly, the newly registered students must realize that local elections need to be seen as

just as important as national ones. This is a difficult process as they are away from their

hometowns yes, but if they just spent a little bit of time researching the candidates that represent
their viewpoints they could help their local community immensely. All in all, every campaign

that is ran to inspire and educate young adults to get their votes out there must reiterate the fact

that it is really important for one to be an active member in local, state and national communities.
 Creative Brief
Strategic Communications

Client:

Indiana Secretary of State Connie Lawson and Rock the Vote

Organizational (Marketing/Business) Goal:

To halt the decline and increase the number of college-aged voters between 18
and 24 voting in Indiana state and local elections.

Public Relations Goal:

To raise awareness of the importance of voting among college-aged potential

voters, and in succession raise the amount of college-aged voters

Marketplace environment:

The Indiana Secretary of State is a well-known and respected part of our state
government, and has been since 1816. It is known for watching over government
elections, protecting important government documents and even the state’s
financial security. It wants to spread awareness about the importance of voting,
and in effect, get more college-aged voters to register to vote. Its long-term goal is
to shift college voters out of being known as the demographic who participates
the least in voting, and educate the millenials on why their vote matters.

The following are three adjectives that describe client:

-Aware
-Responsible
 -Action-oriented

The following are competitors (groups who raise money from same audiences):

-Student Government Alliance (SGA)

-Secretaries of States in other states

What this organization does better than competitors:

-Has real-world, applicable experience in government and has valuable

knowledge of laws and policies surrounding voting.
-Has more of a voice of authority, and is seen as such compared to
competition.

Problem:
College students have a lack of knowledge on the importance of voting. The lack
of education and displays of importance make them feel like their voices will not
be heard through their one single vote. They need to understand that when casting
a ballot, they are actually being heard.

Organizational Strategy:

On Thursday, April 6, we will host an event for our campaign that educates
college campuses about the importance of voting. The event will be offered
exclusively to Ball State students, being the fact that they are the target
demographic, to learn more about why it’s important to vote. Faculty are also
encouraged to come to learn effective ways to inspire their students. The event
will be casual so that the students and faculty can learn at their own pace/not
become bored with the content. News releases, fact sheets and other supporting
material will be provided online and released to local publications for circulation

Organizational Preparedness:

• The client will not be paid, but will be open to accepting doantions.
• The client will be offering educational lessons that will easily reach the
target demographic in an effective, relaxed way.
• Yes, it should effectively delivers the messages and information that the
events are intended to do.
• The Secretary of State and Rock the Vote have hired Alex Crump and
Cady Dawson to develop an innovative media kit and a strategic
communications plan.

Target Public(s):

College students and college-aged voters, more specifically Ball State Students
Tactic(s)/Tools/Materials Needed:

To promote the event, Alex and Cady have developed the following content:

• A news release about the event

• A media alert about the event
• A 60 second PSA for WCRD radio station.
• A profile on Indiana’s Secretary of State Connie Lawson
• A fact sheet about the event
• A pitch email about the topic to a local reporter

Deadline Date(s):

Media Alert: Mar 1, 2017

PSAs: Start- Mar 1, 2017 End- May 5, 2017
News Release: March 1, 2017

Anticipated Distribution:

Muncie area radio stations and newspapers.

Message(s):.

• Voter turnout among the college-age demographic is declining rapidly

with each new wave of elections
• It is important to fulfill our duty as an American with voting, your voice
matters.
• Registration education is the first step in making sure one understands
how important it is to register and vote.

Approvals needed:

• Internal review: Alex Crump and Cady Dawson

• Client: Connie Lawson, the Office of the Secretary of State and the
organization Rock the Vote would need to look over the material to ensure
that it is properly worded and can be excuted in the manner desired.

Potential crises with this project:

• Muncie residents could be opposed to having outsiders vote in Delaware

county
SUBJECT LINE: “Rock the Vote” and Indiana Secretary of State partnering together for BSU
Event

Dear Seth Slabaugh Muncie Star Press,

College-aged voters simply are not voting and it is affecting the outcome of elections. With the
number of students who are not registered rising, the country is headed toward a downward
spiral.

With only 21 percent of the voting population being 18 to 29 in 2014, it is declining with every
passing election. Connie Lawson, the Secretary of State, and members from the organization
“Rock the Vote” will be at University Green on Ball State University’s campus April 6 to discuss
this epidemic at Ball State University.

In her discussion, she will cover the important issues of why the youth vote matters. She will
also talk about the measures to take to educate young voters about registration, absentee ballots
and implementing the importance of their vote.

Rock the Vote will also be there with important information and a sweepstakes to win tickets to a
concert with Rock the Vote ambassador Maroon 5.

This event is one of few to the public universities within the state of Indiana. With over 20 years
in public office, Lawson’s knowledge of the issues facing youth voting makes this event of
significant importance to the Ball State’s population, students and faculty together.

I encourage you to come to get a real look at this issue, as it is very important to the future of our
country. Attached is more background information on the event, Rock the Vote and Connie
herself. Contact me if you have any question, as I am more than happy to answer them.

Best,

Cady Dawson
Ball State University '18
Public Relations Major | Marketing Minor
Account Coordinator | Cardinal Communications
Account Coordinator | Cardinal Metrics
Member | PRSSA
Media Alert
Contact: Alexandra Crump FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Cady Dawson
(317) 460-2353
alcrump2@bsu.edu

‘Rock the Vote’ partners with BSU to “Vote for Pedro”

WHAT: With a Napoleon Dynamite twist, join Rock the Vote to help promote
college students’ voter knowledge, register to vote, and get some free tater
tots while you’re at it.

WHO: Representatives from Rock the Vote as well as BSU students partnered
with the organization will be there to help guide the voter registration
process and answer any questions about voting rights

WHEN: Vote for Pedro is scheduled from 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. on April 6 on the
University Green

WHERE: University Green – Ball State University, east of Shafer Tower

WHY: This free event is a great way to encourage BSU students to come out, get
informed about their voting rights, and register to vote on the spot all
while reminiscing on a classic movie. In an article written by journalist
Elizabeth Campbell, the toughest part of getting college students to vote is
the registering due to proof of residency and lack of knowledge about the
absentee ballot. So we’re here to make that easy as well as answer any
questions about absentee voting and anything else that may be
misunderstood.

NOTE: You do not have to be a Ball State University student to attend. All are
welcome at this free event sponsored by Rock the Vote.
 Connie Lawson is the 61st Secretary of State
for Indiana. Serving on the Indiana Senate for 16
years, Lawson represents the Republican Party. She
was born and raised in Indianapolis, and graduated
from Danville Community High School. Before joining
the Indiana Senate, Lawson served as Clerk of the
Hendricks County Circuit Court for eight years. During
her tenure, she was named elections administrator of
the year by the Indiana State Election Board and clerk
of the year by the Indiana Clerk’s Association, both in
1993.

Lawson is extremely passionate about promoting voting booth integrity, as

well as modernizing voting booths. She is an adovcate of the Vote Center Model,
which gives voters more flexibility on Election Day because they are not constrained
to a specific polling location. Vote centers are connected through secure internet
connections, and as ballots are cast, an electronic poll book is instantaneously
updated. Lawson has worked to authorize legislation to let counties move to the
Vote Center model, and so far 26 counties have implemented it. She also works to
inform the public of the benefits of the model. Voting is close to Connie Lawson’s
heart and she loves to speak to others and inform them of the importance of voting
as she believes it is our civic duty. With this in mind, the decision to have Lawson
on board as a spokeswoman for Rock the Vote’s push to increase teen voting was
definitely an easy one. Connie says that she is especially excited to get out and
speak to young voters about how their votes make a difference and about their civic
duty as taxpayers.
Dear Mrs. Lawson,

Attached are the possible questions that could come up during your radio interview with
WCRD-FM. For extra preparation, I have written some possible answers for each
question. Feel free to alter the answers to make them more personal to you.

Radio Interview Questions

Q: What is your event/campaign and it’s mission?

A: My campaign is all about implementing the idea that the youth vote is very important
in our society and how to motivate them to get to the voting booths. As studies have
shown, this specific demographic has been the hardest one to get to cast a ballot. As the
future of our nation, the decline in the voting percentages among the millennial
generation needs to rise.

Q: How will this campaign motivate students to take action and head to the polls?
A: Education helps us learn how to not repeat the past and to move towards bigger and
better things. If students continue to think that their votes do not matter, then nothing will
change the decline we are facing. With this campaign, we are able to host these events
that are relatable and create a comfortable environment to learn in. It will not be a stuffy
information session in which we would lose their interest within the first five minutes; it
will be a fun educational experience that they will be able to take with them throughout
their adult lives.

Q: What do you think are the reasons behind college students not voting?
A: Young adults feel as if they have really no stake in the way their country is ran. They
also have a tough time voting due to the fact that they are nomads who are away from
their established homes and living at a temporary address in their college town. The
traditional education about voter registration and political decisions is lacking in its
accessibility to the millennial generation. There needs to be better implementation of
education among the new generations in order for there to be a rise in voting.

Q: Some citizens believe that their vote doesn’t matter, how much does their vote
aid society?
A: America was founded on being a country for the people, by the people. And while
there is a lot of pushback for the Electoral College, they need to be able to see what the
public wants for this country. If one does not vote, then there could be constituents that
would follow in that footstep. This leaves a large amount of the public opinion voiceless
and their viewpoints will not be available for consideration to the Electoral College.

Q: What are your reasons for being a voice for heading to the polls?
A: With my position, it is my responsibility to see state elections and their results. If I
was elected into this position and did not see the importance of voting, I would not be the
right candidate for the job. I am proud to be a citizen of this great country and want
everyone to have his or her rights be heard in this nation of opportunity.
Q: Your experience in the government setting spans over a few decades, how has
your tenure made you the best candidate to head this campaign?
A: With eight years as the County Clerk for Hendricks County, fifteen years in the
Indiana Senate and now four years as Secretary of State, I feel like I have a grasp for how
things work. I understand how voting works so I feel like I am able to make it easily
accessible for the youth to understand what all it entails.

Q: Some citizens are confused as to what an absentee ballot exactly is, could you
elaborate?
A: It is simple; an absentee ballot is an option citizens may take if they are unable to
make it to their local polls on Election Day. You are able to simply caste your vote at
home by sending it through the mail. Students who are often away from the permanent
home address generally overlook this option.

Q: How long will this campaign run?

A: Since this is the first year holding the campaign, we are looking to see how successful
it will be. We hope to make it a yearly event for campuses across the whole state so that
the future generations of voters will have the same accessibility to voter education as
their constituents have had in the past.

Q: What all will be included within the event?

A: There will be a few speakers from the local governments that will try to implement the
thought of the importance of voting. Through interactive lessons and Q & A sessions,
students will be able to grasp the message. And of course, free food because what else
would be a better thing to have?

Q: There has been a lot of planning for this event, what is you main achievement
that you are looking for at the end of it?
A: I want college students and faculty members to have awareness of this issue at hand.
Hopefully with this new way to educate them, we will be able to see larger voter turnout
in the future elections.

Again, please make any changes you wish to make it more personal! If you have any
questions at all, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Best Regards,

Cady Dawson  
Ball State University '18
Public Relations Major | Marketing Minor
Account Coordinator | Cardinal Communications
Account Coordinator | Cardinal Metrics
Member | PRSSA
Press Release
April 7, 2017 Contact information:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Alexandra Crump
Cady Dawson
317-460-2353
alcrump2@bsu.edu

Ball State spreads voting awareness

MUNCIE, Ind. – This past Thursday, Ball State University hosted their first annual

voting awareness event on the University Green. The event, entitled “Vote for Pedro” as a

homage to the popular film Napoleon Dynamite, featured free voting materials for students, a

speech from Secretary of State Connie Lawson, and of course, free tater tots. Over 200 students

attended the event.

The non-profit organization Rock the Vote paired with the Secretary of State for the

event. Rock the Vote and Lawson have similar events planned for other universities in the state,

as well as hopes for pairing with other states to educate students about voting, and encorauge the

to not only register to vote, but also be at the polls come election day.

Lawson’s speech at the event focused mainly on informing and encouraging students to

exercise their right to vote, and explaining why the teen demographic is so crucial. “You all are

the future. Future leaders, future politicians, future parents. Let your voice be heard and make a

difference. I encourage each and every one of you to think of your civic duty this election season,

and come out to the polls.” Lawson spoke passionately for a few minutes, and then stayed around

the rest of the event to personally talk to students and answer any questions about voting.

According to the Campus Vote Project, young adults, aged 18 to 29, make up about 21

percent of the voting population. Out of this demographic, 21 percent of these young people said

-MORE-
BSU spreads voting awareness
Crump
Dawson
Page 2

they weren’t registered to vote. This is nearly 1.7 million Americans. For more statistics about

student voting, please visit http://campusvoteproject.org/why-student-voters-matter/.

Overall, Vote for Pedro was a success, and Rock the Vote and Connie Lawson have made

their intentions for this to be an annual event clear.

For more information about Vote for Pedro, Rock the Vote, or Secretary of State Connie

Lawson contact Alexandra Crump, at 317-460-2353 or alcrump2@bsu.edu.

###

Indiana’s Secretary of State has been established since 1816 to ensure the state’s election
security, financial security and upkeep of important state records. Connie Lawson, the incumbent
and 61st Secretary of State, has served in the state senate for 16 years, and was elected in 2012 for
this position. For more information, please go to http://www.in.gov/sos/2363.htm.

Rock the Vote is the largest nonpartisan, non-profit organization in the United States
driving young people to the polls. Fusing pop culture, politics, and technology, Rock the Vote
works to mobilize the millennial voting bloc and the youth vote, protect voting rights and
advocate for an electoral process and voting system that works for the 21st century electorate.
HOW TO:
How to Register
You may be able to register to
vote at public facilities like the
DMV, your local election office
or in Indiana, you can register
online at indianavoters.com.

Why Vote?
•College students are a crucial
demographic in every election. 44
million millennials are able to vote,
and with that power, could shape
the outcome of any election.

•Politicians are less likely to tackle Absentee Ballots

issues that college students care
• Receiving an absentee ballot is conducted
about if that specific demographic by mail and in person before Election Day
isn’t voting. Why appeal to a when you can’t make it to the polls on the
demographic if they are highly
unlikely to vote?
•This is popular among college students who are
living away from home in their college town and
can’t make it back home in time for the election.

•You can find an absentee ballot online with

a simple Google search. Simply print it off, fill
it out and mail it back in. Directions should
accompany the form itself.

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER:

April 9, 2018 - Registration Deadline
May 8, 2018 - Primary Election
PSAs
Contact: Cady Dawson FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Phone: 630-945-7555 Special to WCRD-FM
Email: cddawson@bsu.edu 60 seconds
STOP: after May 5

INDIANA SECRETARY OF STATE

AND ROCK THE VOTE TO COME
TO BALL STATE UNIVERSITY

ANNOUNCER: BALL STATE STUDENTS ARE WELCOME

AND ENCOURAGED TO ATTEND THE INDIANA

SECRETARY OF STATE AND ROCK THE VOTE’S EVENT

“VOTE FOR PEDRO”

THE INCUMBENT SECRETARY OF STATE

CONNIE LAWSON IS PARTNERING UP WITH ROCK THE

VOTE TO REACH STUDENTS AND EDUCATE STUDENTS

ON ALL THINGS VOTING.

DID YOU KNOW THAT VOTER TURNOUT

FOR THE MILLENIAL AGE GROUP HAS BEEN DECLINING

EACH AND EVERY ELECTION YEAR? IT IS ESTIMATED

THAT OVER 1 MILLION AMERICANS BETWEEN THE

AGES OF 18 AND 24 WERE NOT EVEN REGISTERED TO

VOTE IN THE PREVIOUS ELECTION.

VOTING IS YOUR DUTY AS A CITIZEN OF

THE UNITED STATES, AND CAN ASSURE YOU THAT

YOUR VOICE CAN BE HEARD. REGISTERING TO VOTE IS

YOUR WAY OF CONTRIBUTING TO HOW THE

GOVERNEMNT OPERATES.

THERE WILL BE FREE FOOD , TATER TOTS

AND REFRESHING DRINKS PROVIDED TO THOSE WHO

ATTEND. ROCK THE VOTE WILL ALSO BE HOLDING A

SWEEPSTAKES FOR ONE TO WIN A TRIP TO SEE RTV

AMBASSADOR MAROON 5.

VARIOUS TOPICS OF THE NIGHT WILL

INCLUDE INFORMATION ON ABSENTEE BALLOTS, THE

REGISTRATION PROCESS AND WHAT THINGS YOU WILL

NEED ON YOU WHEN YOU HEAD TO A POLLING CENTER.

THE EVENT WILL BE HELD ON APRIL 6

FROM 12 – 4 PM ON UNIVERSITY GREEN ON BALL

STATE’S CAMPUS IF WEATHER IS PERMITTING. RAIN

LOCATION WILL BE PRUIS HALL ON BALL STATE’S

CAMPUS.

###
 Bibliography

Book

Is voting for young people?, Martin P. Wattenberg, Published: 2016, Call Number:

HQ799.2.P6 W38 2016

Scholarly Journal

Mass Communication and Society Volume 13 Issue 5, Did Social Media Really Matter?

College Students' Use of Online Media and Political Decision Making in the 2008

Election, Matthew James Kushin & Masahiro Yamamoto, Published: November

20, 2010

Newspaper sources

Make them students of democracy, The Atlanta Journal and Constitution, Published:

November 1, 1994

The real reason young people dislike Republicans, Rick Jensen, Standard Examiner,

Published: June 14, 2013

Young voters flee Donald Trump in what may be historic trouncing, poll shows.

Crescente, C. and Page, S., USA Today, Aug. 14, 2016

Reference sources

Elections A to Z, Published: 2003, Call Number: JK1976 .M57

Government sources

Census.gov, https://www.census.gov/prod/2014pubs/p20-573.pdf, Feb. 6, 2017

CIRCLE (The Center for Information & Research on Civic Learning & Engagement),

http://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED495210.pdf, Accessed: February 6, 2017

Institutional sources

Bloomberg.com, https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-11-09/what-this-

election-taught-us-about-millennial-voters, Feb. 6, 2017

Campus Vote Project, http://campusvoteproject.org/why-student-voters-matter/,

Accessed: February 6, 2017

Department of Government and Politics,

https://gvpt.umd.edu/sites/gvpt.umd.edu/files/pubs/Niemi%20Hanmer%20SSQ%

20Voter%20Turnout%20Among%20College%20Students.pdf, Accessed:

February 6, 2017

How Republicans Can Win Millenial Voters., Berenson, T., TIME Magazine, Jun 17,

2015.

Nonprofit Vote, http://www.nonprofitvote.org/documents/2011/02/where-can-and-

should-college-students-vote-niemi-et-al.pdf, Accessed: February 6, 2017

NPR.org, http://www.npr.org/2016/05/16/478237882/millennials-now-rival-boomers-as-

a-political-force-but-will-they-actually-vote, Feb. 6, 2017

MSNBC.com, http://www.msnbc.com/msnbc/the-state-the-youth-vote-america, Feb. 6,

2017
USA Today College, http://college.usatoday.com/2015/09/25/why-college-students-

arent-voting/, Accessed: February 6, 2017

Youth Media Reporter, “Obamamania: Media Tactics Drawing Youth to the Voting

Booth.”, Shabazz, R. 2008.

Youthvote.org, http://youthvote.org/, Feb. 6, 2017

Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 27th, 2016

Important News About Vine

Since we began in 2013, Vine has been a go-to for the public to find a laugh
and help share their creativity with the world. It is with heavy hearts that we
announce that over the coming months, Vine will be discontinued.
Through blogs and Twitter, we will be sure to keep you updated on what’s
next for us. We’re still keeping you in mind: you will be notified before the app or
the website is modified.
No worries, though. We respect you and your vines. The legacy built by Dom
Hofmann, Rus Yusupov, and Colin Krill back in 2012 is something that cannot be
taken away by the discontinuation of the app. The website will be kept online
because we know that it’s important to cherish the memories you all have already
made with our app. You’ll always be able to access and download your vines to keep
sharing the laughter.
“We didn’t think we would ever make it this far… the love we’ve received over
these past years is honestly incredible. Everything has an end, though, and all of us
at Vine would just like to thank you for your years of dedication and your
unrelenting support that made our app possible,” announced Hofmann.
Thank you.
To the team members: thank you.
To the creators who gave Vine a chance: thank you.
To every person who ever laughed at a Vine: thank you.
Vine may be discontinued, but the laughter will never end.

Regards,
 Gaining  Experience  in  Unexpected  Places  
 
  One   of   the   biggest   challenges   that   any   college   student   faces   is   resume  

building.  Just  going  to  class  and  getting  good  grades  isn’t  going  to  cut  it  anymore  –  

you  need  to  keep  yourself  involved  in  as  many  ways  possible  and  try  to  make  your  

application  stand  out  from  the  hundreds  of  others  that  are  just  as  qualified  as  you  

yours.    

  The   easiest   way   to   really   hype   up   your   resume   is   to   participate   in   some  

extracurricular  activities.  Most  college  campuses  have  literally  hundreds  of  different  

student   organizations   that   you   can   join,   and   even   if   they   don’t   blatantly   focus   on  

public  relations,  there  is  always  a  way  to  gain  some  real-­‐world  experience  in  your  

field.  

  The   first   club   that   I   joined   when   I   was   a   freshman   was   actually   pretty  

random   –   the   racquetball   club.     Although   I   am   ridiculously   unathletic,   I   was  

desperate  for  new  experiences  and  friends  and  this  club  seemed  like  a  good  place  to  

start.  Now  here  I  am  a  year  and  a  half  later,  and  I’m  the  secretary  of  the  club.  When  I  

first  joined,  I  definitely  didn’t  think  I  would  ever  hold  a  leadership  position,  let  alone  

be   able   to   apply   this   position   to   PR.   However,   now   that   I   have   taken   on   more  

responsibility  within  the  club,  the  skills  that  I  am  learning  are  definitely  going  to  be  

applicable  to  a  PR  career  in  my  future.  For  example,  I  am  in  charge  of  sending  out  

the   emails   every   Monday   and   Thursday   to   remind   everyone   of   our   meetings.   This  

seems   like   a   menial   task,   but   the   truth   is   it’s   a   lot   tougher   than   you   would   think.  

Each  week,  I  send  those  reminder  emails  to  over  50  people,  and  usually  a  maximum  

of   15   show   up   to   the   meetings.   Before   I   joined   the   club,   only   2   or   3   people   attended  
each   meeting.   I   have   been   working   in   many   different   ways   to   try   and   increase   the  

club’s  membership,  as  well  as  get  the  word  out  around  campus.  I  like  to  look  at  the  

club  as  a  client  –  it’s  my  job  to  do  my  best  to  get  the  most  publicity  for  it  and  help  

create  a  good  reputation  throughout  Ball  State.  

   

  Another   student   organization   that   I’m   very   passionate   about   is   Cardinal  

Metrics.  This  is  the  student-­‐run  data  analytics  firm  on  campus  and  I’m  so  excited  to  

get  to  be  a  part  of  it.  When  you’re  focusing  on  a  field  like  PR,  you  have  to  be  aware  

that   things   are   always   changing.   Technology   is   really   creating   a   new   environment  

for  public  relations,  and  it  is  our  job  as  PR  specialists  to  grow  with  the  environment.  

With  this  being  said,  it  is  clear  that  everything  is  going  to  begin  to  depend  on  data  

analytics.  Being  able  to  see  how  many  interactions  a  post  gets,  and  compare  that  to  

another  post  that  maybe  didn’t  do  so  well  is  going  to  help  us  as  PR  professionals  to  

help   guide   our   clients   to   create   the   best   content   that   will   help   their   business   out  

immensely.   Being   able   to   practice   skills   such   as   researching,   auditing,   and   report  

writing,   as   well   as   becoming   Google   Analytic   Certified   is   something   that   not   only  

looks   good   on   a   resume,   but   is   going   to   give   me   an   extra   level   of   knowledge   and  

expertise  in  my  future  career.  

  If  there’s  one  thing  that  I  urge  you  to  take  from  this  post,  it’s  this:  Don’t   be  

afraid   to   put   yourself   out   there.  Don’t  shy  away  from  new  things  just  because  they  

might  not  be  exactly  what  you  think  you  need.  Be  creative  and  daring.  Find  a  place  
where  you  can  fit  in  and  let  yourself  grow.  Not  only  will  your  resume  thank  you,  but  

also  you’ll  be  thanking  yourself  later.  

Media Kit | 2017
Press Release
March 13, 2017 Contact information:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Alexandra Crump
765-555-2483
alcrump2@bsu.edu

BSU Racquetball Club hosts clinic

MUNCIE, Ind. – On Saturday, April 8 at 11 A.M., the Ball State University Racquetball Club

will be hosting its third annual racquetball clinic with racquetball professional Adam Taylor. The event

will be held at the racquetball courts located in the Ball State University recreation center.

“Meeting Adam Taylor and experiencing his passion for the game inspired me to start the clinic,”

club president Ross Meenagh stated. “Being surrounded by others who have a dedication for the sport will

make people more interested, the way I was.”

The clinic is focused to help both beginning and advanced players sharpen their racquetball skill

set. The event is free after a waiver is filled out on the BSU recreation center’s website. There will be

snacks and drinks provided at the event.

If you have any questions or concerns, please email club president Ross Meenagh at

rwmeenagh@bsu.edu​.

- MORE -
 The Ball State University Racquetball Club has been active since 1991 and has taught students
the fundamentals of racquetball. They pride themselves on inclusion for students and wellness awareness
on campus. The JoAnn Gora Recreation Center is home to the club for students to participate in. From
basketball to racquetball, students and faculty are encouraged to promote a healthy lifestyle while having
fun.

###
Feature Release
March 23, 2017 Contact information:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Alexandra Crump
765-555-2483
alcrump2@bsu.edu

Participant describes clinic as “awesome learning experience”

MUNCIE, Ind. – Ball State Racquetball Club member Taylor Penley shares her past experiences

of the club’s yearly clinic. The event, which will be held again on April 8, helps anyone interested in

racquetball perfect their skills in the game.

As a two-year veteran of the club, Penley states that her favorite part of the clinic is working on

specific game skills. “During practices we just play games and do not focus on improving specific skill

sets, but the clinic is different,” said Penley.

The clinic itself features one-on-one instruction from racquetball professional Adam Taylor. “It is

nice to get advice from someone who knows what they are doing - it helps my skills incredibly,” Penley

said about the instruction from Taylor.

-MORE-
 As for anyone on the edge about attending this year’s event? “Definitely just go for it,” Penley

states. “You’ll have a blast and learn a lot. It’s one of my favorite events of the year.”

For more information about the clinic, please email Ross Meenagh at ​rwmeenagh@bsu.edu​.

###

The Ball State University Racquetball Club has been active since 1985 and has taught students
the fundamentals of racquetball. They pride themselves on inclusion for students and wellness awareness
on campus. The JoAnn Gora Recreation Center is home to the clubs and teams for students to participate
in. From basketball to racquetball, students and faculty are encouraged to promote a healthy lifestyle
while having fun.
 Fe
atu
rin
gr
ac Skills Clinic
qu
etb
all
pr
ofe
ssi
on
al
Ad
am
Ta
ylor

When: Saturday, April 8, 2017

at 11 a.m.

Where: Ball State University

recreation center

Cost: Free!

Receive one-on-one instruction from Adam Taylor:

• number one men’s singles player in Indiana
• professional racquetball trainer in Indianapolis
 e t
h e
t S
a c
b F
l u
C

Overview
The Ball State University Racquetball Club is a dynamic organization welcome to both men and
women of all skill ranges. We meet twice a week to improve skills, heighten experience, and overall
- to have fun! Members may play any of the varying game types and will have an opportunity to
connect with a diversified group of students. Students who have not experienced racquetball are
more than welcome to join and will be taught all the basics needed to be successful.

Quick Facts Executive

Founded: 1991
Board
Meeting Times: Mondays &
Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. President: Ross Meenagh

Skill Level Required: None

Games Played: Singles, Doubles, Vice President: Dennis Mott III

Cutthroat

Secretary: Alexandra Crump

Contact Information
Treasurer: Ricky Yutmeyer
Student Recreation and Wellness Center
RC 201

Primary Contact: Ross Meenagh Staff Advisor: David Concepcion

rwmeenagh@bsu.edu
Background on:
l o r
ay
T
a m
Ad

Adam Taylor is a professional racquetball player

from Indianapolis, Indiana and is currently ranked
number one in the state for singles competition in
racquetball. With a 98% skill level and a 48 win/13
loss roster, Taylor is happy to help schools across the
state strengthen their racquetball skills. After attending
numerous championships, Taylor currently resides in
Indianapolis and has been the racquetball coordinator
and professional at L.A. Fitness for the past 10 years.
 Sustainability  into  Practice  
SUST250-­‐2  
Alexandra  Crump  
December  8,  2017  
Promoting  Sustainable  Communities  
 
One   in   20   homes   in   Muncie,   Indiana   is   abandoned   or   neglected.   Although  
vacant  homes  may  seem  to  be  a  harmless  nuisance  in  a  community,  the  impacts  that  
these  vacancies  have  on  a  neighborhood  can  be  detrimental.  
  Bruce  Frankel,  a  professor  of  architecture  at  Ball  State  University  conducted  
a   study   and   found   that   there   are   at   least   4,700   abandoned   homes   in   Muncie.   As  
stated  before,  one  in  20  homes  in  Muncie  is  abandoned.  Compare  this  to  the  national  
average   of   one   in   every   63   homes   being   abandoned   (Abbey-­‐Lambertz,   2016),   and   it  
is   clear   that   Muncie   is   suffering   from   the   abundance   of   abandoned   homes   it   is  
plagued  with.  These  abandoned  homes  have  multiple  implications  about  the  health  
and   well   being   of   the   community   as   a   whole.   A   study   in   the   American   Journal   of  
Public  Health  looked  at  107  US  cities  and  found  abandoned  housing  to  be  associated  
with   poor   health,   including   outcomes   as   divergent   as   rising   gonorrhea   rates,   pre-­‐
mature   mortality,   diabetes,   and   suicide.   This   was   even   after   controlling   for  
confounding  by  sociodemographic  factors.  Another  study  that  was  published  in  the  
Journal   of   Urban   Health   found   correlations   between   vacant   homes   and   the   well  
being   of   the   community   as   a   whole:   “vacant   land   was   perceived   to   influence  
community   well-­‐being   by   decreasing   residents’   control   over   neighborhood   life,  
fracturing   ties   among   neighbors,   raising   concerns   about   crime   and   safety,   and  
exerting  a  negative  financial  strain  on  the  community.”    
  The   aforementioned   research   shows   direct   correlation   between   these  
abandoned   homes   and   the   danger   and   overall   negative   threats   that   they   pose   to   the  
community,  the  land,  and  the  people  who  live  and  work  within  the  community  itself.  
Not   only   do   these   abandonments   pose   a   threat   to   the   well   being   of   the   Muncie  
community,   but   they   also   pose   a   threat   to   the   sustainability   of   the   area.   Dilapidated,  
failing  housing  and  unusable  land  is  a  waste  of  the  world’s  precious  and  depleting  
natural   resources.   Repurposing   and   taking   charge   of   these   abandoned   houses   is   the  
only  option  for  the  Muncie  community  to  prevent  the  negative  impacts  within  their  
community  as  well  as  within  their  environment.  
  Green   homes.   Strong   communities.   Happy   people.   This   is   the   vision   of   local  
Muncie  nonprofit  ecoREHAB.  EcoREHAB  is  an  organization  that  is  dedicated  to  try  
and   help   alleviate   the   problem   of   abandoned,   unsustainable   homes   within   the  
Muncie  community.  EcoREHAB  is  a  501(c)3  nonprofit  organization  that  was  created  
in   2009.   It   had   begun   as   an   immersive   learning   project   for   Ball   State   University   that  
focused   on   an   architecture   studio   turning   abandoned   houses   into   sustainable  
homes.  From  that  project  ecoREHAB  was  able  to  flourish  into  an  organization  that  
prides  itself  on  its  mission  “to  advance  our  community  through  the  promotion  and  
practice   of   sustainable   design,   rehabilitation,   and   education.”   Former   teacher   and  
ecoREHAB   homeowner   Norma   Ruttan   best   sums   up   ecoREHAB’s   goal:   “ecoREHAB  
works   to   restore   beauty   and   sustainability   to   our   community   through   ecologically  
sound   and   sustainable   rehabilitation.   EcoREHAB   aims   to   restore   one   of   Muncie’s  
greatest  assets,  its  neighborhoods.”    
  The  work  that  ecoREHAB  provides  the  Muncie  community  is  invaluable.  The  
services   and   offerings   of   ecoREHAB   vary   and   all   focus   on   different   issues   that   affect  
the   community.   Those   who   know   of   ecoREHAB   are   mainly   aware   of   their  
rehabilitation   services,   however   they   also   offer   both   education   and   consultation  
services.  
  EcoREHAB  works  to  not  only  build  a  more  sustainable  community,  but  also  
to  educate  that  community  to  be  more  sustainable  as  well.  Their  website  boasts  that  
they   are   dedicated   to   educating   the   region   about   the   importance   of   sustainable,  
design,  building,  and  maintenance.  They  promote  sustainable  education  throughout  
the   area   mainly   through   community   engagement   and   educational   partnerships.   The  
community   engagement   comes   in   the   form   of   workshops   as   well   as   speaking  
engagements.  As  an  organization,  they  are  always  looking  for  new  opportunities  to  
spread   the   message   of   green   building.   EcoREHAB   also   participates   in   numerous  
educational   partnerships,   such   as   the   immersive   learning   project   with   Ball   State  
University.   They   also   are   partnered   with   the   Muncie   Area   Career   Center   Building  
Trades   Program   in   order   to   provide   high   school   students   with   energy-­‐efficient  
design   concepts   that   have   then   be   used   to   construct   three   homes.   Overall,   the  
organization   considers   it   part   of   their   mission   to   work   with   and   inform   the   next  
generation.  They  want  to  encourage  students  of  all  fields  to  consider  sustainability  
in  everything  they  do.  
  In   terms   of   consultation   services,   ecoREHAB   just   began   offering   at-­‐home  
energy   audits   to   the   community.   Executive   Director   of   ecoREHAB   Craig   Graybeal  
conducts   these   audits   by   walking   through   the   home   and   assessing   opportunities   for  
both   improved   efficiency   and   safety.   He   will   then   work   with   the   homeowner   to  
create   a   list   of   priorities   based   upon   the   personal   goals   and   resources   of   the  
homeowner.  EcoREHAB  can  assist  with  the  decided  upon  projects,  the  homeowner  
can  take  care  of  them  on  their  own,  or  ecoREHAB  can  suggest  contractors  who  share  
similar   values   with   their   organization.   Bill   Morgan,   the   Muncie   Historic  
Preservationist   summed   it   up   well,   saying,   “ecoREHAB   invests   in   the   houses   we  
already  have.  We  have  this  little  saying  we  like  to  mention,  maybe  you’ve  heard  it:  
the  greenest  building  is  the  one  already  built.”  
  The   largest   and   probably   most   publicized   efforts   of   ecoREHAB   are   their  
home   rehabilitations.   EcoREHAB   works   within   the   Muncie   community   to  
rehabilitate   abandoned   homes   to   promote   the   wellness   of   the   area.   The   way   they  
rehabilitate,  however,  is  remarkable.  They  promote  sustainable  building  practices  as  
well   as   sustainable   home   practices.   Using   recycled   materials   or   reusing   materials,  
planning  the  landscaping  in  a  way  that  saves  energy,  and  other  sustainable  practices  
are  implemented  on  these  homes  so  that  their  impact  is  as  little  as  possible  on  the  
environment.  Once  the  homes  are  built,  ecoREHAB  also  promotes  sustainable  living.  
This  includes  actions  like  using  programmable  thermostats,  installing  solar  panels,  
installing   rain   barrels,   and   overall   continuing   to   educate   the   new   homeowners   on  
what  they  can  do  to  have  the  home  run  as  efficiently  and  sustainably  as  possible.  
  In  order  to  learn  more  about  ecoREHAB  and  all  that  they  do  for  the  Muncie  
community,   as   well   as   gain   a   more   personal   take   on   the   work   being   done,   I  
interviewed  Kate  Elliott.  She  is  a  professor  at  Ball  State  University  and  serves  on  the  
Board   of   Directors   for   ecoREHAB.   She   originally   became   involved   with   the  
organization   to   guide   the   marketing   and   communications,   but   she   now   also  
participates  in  their  educational  and  sustainable  efforts  throughout  Muncie  as  well.  
The   first   question   that   I   asked   her   I   felt   was   one   of   the   most   important   and   most  
telling:   why   do   you   believe   what   ecoREHAB   does   is   important   to   the   community?  
She  replied  that  the  health  and  wellness  of  a  community  is  directly  tied  to  the  people  
within  the  community  being  happy,  safe,  and  secure.  She  continued  on  that  all  issues  
are   interconnected   and   that   if   these   abandoned   houses   are   leading   to   drugs   or  
poverty   or   food   insecurity,   all   of   these   issues   relate   to   one   another   and   therefore  
affect  the  community.  She  then  shared  a  story  of  how  she  grew  up  in  a  small  town  
similar   to   Muncie.   The   mayor   there   started   pushing   for   more   people   to   begin   biking  
as   their   mode   of   transportation,   and   she   still   remembers   how   much   that   small  
change  impacted  the  community  in  a  largely  positive  way.  People  got  out  more,  took  
things  slower,  and  really  took  the  time  to  become  a  community.  “I  hope  ecoREHAB  
does  that  for  Muncie,”  she  said.  
  Personally,   Kate   mentioned   that   her   goal   of   working   with   ecoREHAB   is   to  
make   a   difference   in   Muncie.   She   wants   to   help   elevate   neighbors   and   make   the  
community  more  whole.  “I’m  raising  my  kids  here  and  I  want  them  to  grow  up  in  a  
town   that   they’re   excited   about.   I   want   to   make   it   a   happier,   healthier   place   and   I  
think  ecoREHAB  is  doing  that,”  she  added.  
  I   also   asked   Kate   about   any   possible   downfalls   or   setbacks   that   ecoREHAB  
has   experienced.   She   could   not   think   of   any.   Although   mentioning   that   the  
organization   is   entirely   ran   on   a   volunteer   basis,   which   sometimes   presses   them   for  
time   or   resources,   the   organization   has   been   doing   well   with   meeting   its   goals.   I  
then   asked   how   they   are   able   to   measure   if   they   are   succeeding   in   spreading   the  
sustainable   message.   “It’s   in   the   community,”   she   replied.   “Looking   back   at   the  
homes  that  we  have  rehabilitated  and  the  people  that  those  homes  have  affected  or  
that  we  have  affected  in  general  you  can  see  that  a  difference  is  being  made  within  
this  community  and  it  is  ecoREHAB  that  we  have  to  thank.”  
  This  project  forced  myself  as  a  student  and  simply  as  a  community  member  
to   think   about   how   I   can   apply   these   sorts   of   practices   to   my   life,   both   personally  
and  professionally.    Personally,  it  is  obvious  that  when  I  own  my  own  home  I  will  be  
able  to  put  into  action  the  same  sort  of  sustainable  efforts  that  ecoREHAB  puts  into  
their   homes.   Professionally,   however,   this   was   eye   opening.   Kate   Elliott   is   a  
professor  of  journalism  here  at  Ball  State.  Seeing  how  she  is  able  to  first  connect  her  
journalism  knowledge  with  the  organization  to  help  improve  it,  but  also  participate  
in  an  organization  like  ecoREHAB  makes  it  clear  to  me  that  I  will  be  able  to  use  my  
public   relations   skill   set   to   promote   sustainable   practices   and   continue   to   educate  
and  inform  communities  about  why  they  are  so  crucial  to  our  future.  
 
   
 Resources  
 
Abbey-­‐Lambertz,  Kate.  “These  Are  The  Cities  With  The  Most  Abandoned  Houses.”  
The  Huffington  Post,  TheHuffingtonPost.com,  13  Feb.  2016,  
www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/cities-­‐with-­‐most-­‐abandoned-­‐houses-­‐
flint_us_56be4e9ae4b0c3c5505171e7.  
 
Cohen,  Deborah  A.,  et  al.  “Neighborhood  Physical  Conditions  and  Health.”  American  
Journal  of  Public  Health,  ©  American  Journal  of  Public  Health  2003,  Mar.  
2003,  www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1447765/.  
 
Crump,  Alexandra,  and  Kate  Elliott.  “EcoREHAB  Interview  with  Kate  Elliott.”  1  Dec.  
2017.  
 
“EcoREHAB  of  Muncie.”  EcoREHAB  of  Muncie,  ecoREHAB.org/.  
 
Garvin,  Eugenia,  et  al.  “More  Than  Just  An  Eyesore:  Local  Insights  And  Solutions  on  
Vacant  Land  And  Urban  Health.”  Journal  of  Urban  Health:  Bulletin  of  the  New  
York  Academy  of  Medicine,  Springer  US,  June  2013,  
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3665973/.